System and Method for Treating Connective Tissue

Abstract

A method and system of treating connective tissue to increase flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue includes forming perforations in the connective tissue to at least 90% of the depth or thickness of the connective tissue and maintaining the perforations in the connective tissue. The method alters the tissue to enhance the fundamental mechanisms involved the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of the metabolism of the connective tissue.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 342,441, filed Jan. 3, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 958,037, filed Dec. 1, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 376,969, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,871,404, filed Mar. 15, 2006, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 662,026, filed Mar. 15, 2005, the entire contents and disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a system and method for treating connective tissue, and more specifically, to a system and method for treating connective tissue to improve flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Connective tissue is tissue that supports and connects other tissues and parts of the body. Connective tissue, such as scleral tissue of the eye, may become less flexible or elastic as...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to a method and system for treating connective tissue to increase its elasticity. This involves removing a portion of the connective tissue from the eye to form a pattern of small perforations at a distance from the outer edge of the eye. The number of perforations can vary, but the overall goal is to reduce the stiffness of the tissue and make it more flexible. The technique involves using a special tool to create the desired pattern of perforations, which can improve the elasticity of the connective tissue and make it suitable for various applications such as surgical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

The loss of flexibility or alterations of the fundamental properties may result in an accumulation of low grade stress / strain of the connective tissue.

The loss of flexibility or alterations of fundamental properties of connective tissue may change the overall desired properties of the connective tissue and may also undesirably affect the surrounding tissues, structures, organs, or systems related to the connective tissue.

Examples of such undesirable affects are increased tension, loss of flexibility, contracture, fibrosis, or sclerosis, which can prevent the connective tissue or structures that are related to the connective tissue from performing their desired function.

The loss of flexibility of the scleral tissue of the eye may affect the ability of the eye to focus.

The loss of flexibility of the sclera may affect the refractive ability of the eye.

The loss of flexibility of the scleral tissue may contribute to damage to the mechanoreceptors, photoreceptors, or sensory receptors in tissue layers and structures that are directly or indirectly related to the scleral tissue.

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